Office of the VP for Communications – Keeping alumni and friends connected to U-M

Rhapsody in maize and blue gallery

It would be no surprise to find scholars at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance whistling “Nice Work If You Can Get It” these days. One of the many sparkling songs written by George and Ira Gershwin, it is emblematic of the clever lyrics and catchy tunes penned by the legendary songwriting brothers whose body of work is now undergoing the most extensive scholarly review in history by SMTD students and faculty. Nice work indeed! Enjoy these classic images of George and Ira Gershwin.

Lyrically Speaking

Ira Gershwin’s scribbled notes demonstrate the care he took to match his words with his brother’s melodies. (Photo courtesy of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts.)

Someone to Watch over Me

U-M’s collection includes the only known handwritten holograph of Ira Gershwin’s lyrics for the song “Someone to Watch Over Me.” (Photo courtesy of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts.)

Movie Magic

Ira and George Gershwin, in Beverly Hills, 1937, collaborated on their first musical comedy, “A Dangerous Maid,” in 1921. (Photo courtesy of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts.)

Simply Simpatico

At the time of this 1937 photo in Beverly Hills, Ira and George Gershwin had been writing songs together for 21 years. (Photo courtesy of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts.)

Masterpiece

When George Gershwin wrote “Rhapsody in Blue,” he envisioned a piece that would require a conductor. Los Angeles, 1937. (Photo courtesy of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts.)

Hooray for Hollywood

George Gershwin and Ginger Rogers, Hollywood, 1936. The brothers had relocated to Beverly Hills at this time to write for RKO Pictures. (Photo courtesy of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts.)

Listen Up

George Gershwin, pictured in New York in 1935, described one aspect of his creative process as “intensive listening.” (Photo courtesy of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts.)

Broadway Bound

Experts surmise George Gershwin was increasingly drawn to Broadway “production” music, starting in about 1917. (Photo courtesy of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts.)

Side by Side

George and Ira Gershwin, pictured in New York in 1928, not only worked side by side, but lived next door to one another for most of their lives. (Photo courtesy of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts.)

Old Timer

By the time of this photo, taken in Paris in 1928, George Gershwin was a seasoned music professional. He made his first piano roll in 1915. (Photo courtesy of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts.)